Charlie is a hardworking man. He grew up on Chicago’s West Side known for high rates of gun-related crime and gang violence. In humble tones he describes it as “kind of rough growing up in a dangerous environment and losing friends to gun violence.” He made it through high school and later moved to Hyde Park on the Southeast Side, home to the Obamas and University of Chicago. But he found himself struggling to make ends meet working a job in security, living paycheck to paycheck, and experiencing homelessness, couch surfing and relying on friends who would take him in and give him a place to stay for the night.
One day, making the decision to make a better life and be able to be there for his 8-year-old son and one-year-old daughter Charlie went online and searched for the CTA Second Chance program, a program for people with backgrounds, giving them a leg up in a society which can often place permanent negative judgment on individuals with backgrounds who have paid their time but struggle to get ahead in life. Charlie searched for providers which can connect people with the program, which sponsors participants in earning the CDL, Class C enabling them to become city bus drivers and work as any form of city driver. AACF was the first provider that came up on the list, so Charlie made the phone call and learned about the AACF JTED Employment Program from Martiz Curtis, Career Coach Intern.
Working with Martiz, Charlie learned that the CTA Second Chance program will sponsor its participants in only earning the CDL, Class C. Charlie wanted to have a broader scope of opportunities by earning a Class A, CDL, which would enable him to do over the road trucking and have a higher earning potential. With the help of AACF Charlie attended training at Progressive Trucking School and gained necessary training and experience hours to pass his CDL, Class A. Having just completed his CDL, Class A license last week Charlie describes the feeling as:
“It was a very nice experience. Something good that I got under my belt that I’m proud of.”
Currently Charlie is working through a house arrest sentence. After he puts in his time he will be able to work over the road for a trucking company. He continues working with Martiz with whom he now has a special bond, trusting that he will be there for him through permanent employment as a trucker. Charlie is filled with hope and eager to get out there and apply to trucking companies. Great job on earning your CDL, Class A Charlie! Keep up the faith and your hard work and you will be on the road to success in no time!